The US nuclear testing moratorium has reduced employment levels at the
Nevada Test Site (NTS). This study analyses the incidence, duration,
and determinants of on-the-job search activity of NTS employees who ex
pect permanent job losses. Empirical results support theoretical predi
ctions originating from search theory, and suggest that high skilled w
hite collar workers are the most likely to search while employed, and
therefore, are the least likely to face severe dislocation problems.